Naim??

[estreeter]

I suspect this is a case where 'talking about music is like dancing about architecture', as one wag famously put it. If someone asked me to describe the taste of good coffee, nothing would take the place of a decent cup of Jo.

The only way the OP will know for himself is to go to a Naim dealer. I plan to hear it all - including Meridian - when my plane finally hits that tarmac in 2014

 

[leesonic]

Are you kidding? Naim are one of the cream of the crop of British amplifiers. I've no doubt they could show a clean pair of heels to ANYTHING. I've heard these at HiFi shows with Linn front ends and Mission speakers.

But the only way is to listen and see if you like them. Opinions are like... well, you know the rest.

Lee.

 

[JohnVF]

Are you kidding? Naim are one of the cream of the crop of British amplifiers. I've no doubt they could show a clean pair of heels to ANYTHING. I've heard these at HiFi shows with Linn front ends and Mission speakers.

But the only way is to listen and see if you like them. Opinions are like... well, you know the rest.

Lee.

Oh lord, he we go. I knew I shouldn't have disturbed the Kracken of British Audiophile Superiority. Relax, its just an opinion. Most people like a variety of them before making a decision. And anyway, they should judge for themselves as I don't hold my own opinion to be superior to those who love Naim.

 

[leesonic]

Oh lord, he we go. I knew I shouldn't have disturbed the Kracken of British Audiophile Superiority. Relax, its just an opinion. Most people like a variety of them before making a decision. And anyway, they should judge for themselves as I don't hold my own opinion to be superior to those who love Naim.

What's your problem pal? If I'm the Kraken (check your spelling) of British Audiophile Superiority, what does that make you? Check the title of this web site "All Audio... No Attitude". Sometimes it seems on here that if things aren't made in the good old U S of A, then they aren't worth a wank. Yet as soon as someone says something positive about a British (or other non-US) manufacturer, all sorts of smart-ass comments crop up about it. Last time I checked, this wasn't AudioKarma dot usa.

 

[sideways2]

No Naim dealer withing a 1000 miles I'm assuming...I'm in the middle of nowhere LOL!!!

BTW... 'talking about music is like dancing about architecture'...great frickin' movie!!! Just watched it again a few weeks ago!!

I honestly should remember that statement...nuff said

 

[roadie1]

What's your problem pal? If I'm the Kraken (check your spelling) of British Audiophile Superiority, what does that make you? Check the title of this web site "All Audio... No Attitude". Sometimes it seems on here that if things aren't made in the good old U S of A, then they aren't worth a wank. Yet as soon as someone says something positive about a British (or other non-US) manufacturer, all sorts of smart-ass comments crop up about it. Last time I checked, this wasn't AudioKarma dot usa.

Check his sig. Harbeth speakers:scratch2:

..r1

 

[JohnVF]

What's your problem pal? If I'm the Kraken (check your spelling) of British Audiophile Superiority, what does that make you? Check the title of this web site "All Audio... No Attitude". Sometimes it seems on here that if things aren't made in the good old U S of A, then they aren't worth a wank. Yet as soon as someone says something positive about a British (or other non-US) manufacturer, all sorts of smart-ass comments crop up about it. Last time I checked, this wasn't AudioKarma dot usa.

I'm not referring to you with the Kra(k)en comment, I was referring to the long standing tradition of Naim (and Linn) fans for not ever taking a disparaging comment in stride.

And for your information I spent a total of $9000 (Quad and two pairs of Harbeth) on British speakers last year and spend most of the day listening to a Heybrook amp. So you could say that I'm ok with UK gear...I just have auditioned Naim integrateds at multiple times, hoping to hear what others have reported about their gear, and I just never have. If you want specifics as to what it is I didn't like, I can provide them, but I'm not here to piss on gear, I'm just saying that love for their integrated amps is not universal. And the Naim separates, as I said, were great, probably the most memorable of all of the systems I heard this year (much better than the anti-musical $50K one I was listening to 10 minutes ago.) I chalk it up to others having a different set of things they listen for than I do.

I'd like to spend more time with an LFD integrated, though.

Check his sig. Harbeth speakers:scratch2:

..r1

yes, thank you.

 

[Bubbamike]

Well I'm not the Kraken of English Gear, but maybe just a Cracker. Any way some Naim gear sounds great and some just OK. You have to listen to decide. Pretty much the same as class A. Just because an amp runs in pure class A doesn't mean it will sound good. There is much more to the story than that. Besides what I like you might hate and visa versa.

 

[windchaser]

I currently have a Class A integrated amp and listened to three other Class A integrateds before purchasing the one that I did and none of them sounded anything like the Naim. From my own experience with both a Naim 5i and Supernait as some have pointed out that Naim sound is all about pace, rhythm, timing and speed of attack…they are very lively integrateds and enjoyable to listen to. That being said I felt that the Roksan Kandy did everything the Naim could do but was more dynamic on account of having more power. As much as I enjoyed the Naim, I preferred the Roksan that I thought was better value.

If you like British Integrated’s (as I do) Creek, Sugden, Musical Fidelity and Rega all make some nice units that can be found in the same price range as Naim

 

[estreeter]

Are you kidding? Naim are one of the cream of the crop of British amplifiers. I've no doubt they could show a clean pair of heels to ANYTHING. I've heard these at HiFi shows with Linn front ends and Mission speakers.

But the only way is to listen and see if you like them. Opinions are like... well, you know the rest.

Lee.

This is particularly funny given John's recent run-ins with the 'Born in the USA' knuckle-draggers in another thread. I could accuse many here of being 'head-in-the-sand patriots' when it comes to audio, but John would not be among that number. If anything, he seems hellbent on saving us from the 'Time Tunnel' brigade.

 

[sideways2]

I currently have a Class A integrated amp and listened to three other Class A integrateds before purchasing the one that I did and none of them sounded anything like the Naim. From my own experience with both a Naim 5i and Supernait as some have pointed out that Naim sound is all about pace, rhythm, timing and speed of attack…they are very lively integrateds and enjoyable to listen to. That being said I felt that the Roksan Kandy did everything the Naim could do but was more dynamic on account of having more power. As much as I enjoyed the Naim, I preferred the Roksan that I thought was better value.

If you like British Integrated’s (as I do) Creek, Sugden, Musical Fidelity and Rega all make some nice units that can be found in the same price range as Naim

Somehow I knew this might happen...sorry guys...but all I was looking for was an answer like this quote above...I've heard Creek and Sugden...I just wanted a feel for what it does that makes it popular...and not from a magazines point of view...a real world's point of view!!

Kinda like when some asks what the Linn sound is...cheap out...go grab a Systemdek...you'll be close LOL!!!

And just from my experience...most of the Class A topology amps I've run across are very similar in sonics...

 

[leesonic]

I'm not referring to you with the Kra(k)en comment, I was referring to the long standing tradition of Naim (and Linn) fans for not ever taking a disparaging comment in stride.

Then we're cool then. I'd hate to be compared to something like that, and they would be the looker.

I've heard that about Linn owners, but I have a Sansui direct drive as well, which matches the looks of the Sansui amps, tuners and cassette decks I have. I try not to be an audio snob...

And for your information I spent a total of $9000 (Quad and two pairs of Harbeth) on British speakers last year and spend most of the day listening to a Heybrook amp.

Yeah, I saw your signature, some nice stuff there. Feel pity for me, because the only music I get to listen to at home right now is on a clock radio. Having just sold our house, all my gear is in storage. From the UK, some Mission 770s, KEF 104aBs, and a pair of Wharfedale Diamonds. From the USA, JBL L100s, Genesis 2s, DCMs, Advents, etc. Oh... and a pair of Cantons from Germany.

Getting back to the subject matter, there used to be a magazine advert with a Naim amp smashed through a wooden floor (staged of course) with a sheepish looking guy with the speech bubble "I'm sorry, I didn't catch your Naim".

Lee.

 

[MikeT.]

Then we're cool then. I'd hate to be compared to something like that, and they would be the looker.

I've heard that about Linn owners, but I have a Sansui direct drive as well, which matches the looks of the Sansui amps, tuners and cassette decks I have. I try not to be an audio snob...



Yeah, I saw your signature, some nice stuff there. Feel pity for me, because the only music I get to listen to at home right now is on a clock radio. Having just sold our house, all my gear is in storage. From the UK, some Mission 770s, KEF 104aBs, and a pair of Wharfedale Diamonds. From the USA, JBL L100s, Genesis 2s, DCMs, Advents, etc. Oh... and a pair of Cantons from Germany.

Getting back to the subject matter, there used to be a magazine advert with a Naim amp smashed through a wooden floor (staged of course) with a sheepish looking guy with the speech bubble "I'm sorry, I didn't catch your Naim".

Lee.

Slightly off topic, but as a British gear lover, leesonic, but the Mission 770's and the KEF 104ab's are my all-time favorite speakers....period. Sorry you have been forced to put them in storage temporarily. Those KEF's are smooth, but extremely rhythmic and the Missions, PRaT in spades! The others are nice too but I stopped reading the after 104ab's

 

[JohnVF]

Then we're cool then. I'd hate to be compared to something like that, and they would be the looker.

I've heard that about Linn owners, but I have a Sansui direct drive as well, which matches the looks of the Sansui amps, tuners and cassette decks I have. I try not to be an audio snob...



Yeah, I saw your signature, some nice stuff there. Feel pity for me, because the only music I get to listen to at home right now is on a clock radio. Having just sold our house, all my gear is in storage. From the UK, some Mission 770s, KEF 104aBs, and a pair of Wharfedale Diamonds. From the USA, JBL L100s, Genesis 2s, DCMs, Advents, etc. Oh... and a pair of Cantons from Germany.

Getting back to the subject matter, there used to be a magazine advert with a Naim amp smashed through a wooden floor (staged of course) with a sheepish looking guy with the speech bubble "I'm sorry, I didn't catch your Naim".

Lee.

I was trying to be a bit light hearted with the Kraken thing and it didn't translate over words, sorry about that. I guess it would be pretty cool to be the audio Kraken, though, if somebody has to be a monster. I get to play that role in the vintage forums when they start throwing around the word audiophool . I still hold out hope that I just haven't heard a Naim integrated in the right circumstances. Because many people who's ears I trust, really like them (and some don't, like most things in audio). My problem with hearing them more is that the local Naim dealer is the only Chicago audio dealer that lives up to every bad "audio salon" snooty stereotype. Its not fun going there. The Naim dealer in California I went to wasn't like that at all, so I know its not a Naim thing. Just a Pro Musica (store name) thing. But as far as where gear comes from, I'm not picky. I figure everything I have is made by people, and there are decent people everywhere.

I really like the Kef 104ab, too, like was mentioned above...hope you get it and the rest of your gear back up and running soon.

 

[JohnVF]

Somehow I knew this might happen...sorry guys...but all I was looking for was an answer like this quote above...I've heard Creek and Sugden...I just wanted a feel for what it does that makes it popular...and not from a magazines point of view...a real world's point of view!!

Kinda like when some asks what the Linn sound is...cheap out...go grab a Systemdek...you'll be close LOL!!!

And just from my experience...most of the Class A topology amps I've run across are very similar in sonics...

I've been told, upon mentioning my Naim-integrated opinion before, that some are better than others. My experience is related to the new ones. SuperNait, Xs, and also that server/integrated they make, the NDX.

 

[stereocuuple]

Are you kidding? Naim are one of the cream of the crop of British amplifiers. I've no doubt they could show a clean pair of heels to ANYTHING. I've heard these at HiFi shows with Linn front ends and Mission speakers.

But the only way is to listen and see if you like them. Opinions are like... well, you know the rest.

Lee.

having been a naim dealer in two salons here in the u.s. all i can say is.

nowhere in all my years in high end audio have i ever seen a show with naim & linn in the same system. the two owners had a faling out years ago. one of the shops i worked at even let linn go at the request of naim u.s.a. . im certain no dealer would ever put the the two brands together at a public show of any note.

naim is what it is and IMHO is past their prime. the int. amps of the past were very fine. and the seperates are to die for if you like the type of voicing the factory does. most if not all their present day offering fall short of their lineage. the digital players are among the finest in the world though and will smoke almost any player out there.

eric

 

[Art K.]

having been a naim dealer in two salons here in the u.s. all i can say is.

nowhere in all my years in high end audio have i ever seen a show with naim & linn in the same system. the two owners had a faling out years ago. one of the shops i worked at even let linn go at the request of naim u.s.a. . im certain no dealer would ever put the the two brands together at a public show of any note.

naim is what it is and IMHO is past their prime. the int. amps of the past were very fine. and the seperates are to die for if you like the type of voicing the factory does. most if not all their present day offering fall short of their lineage. the digital players are among the finest in the world though and will smoke almost any player out there.

eric

Well said.

I do love the Naim sound and very little else I listen to matches what it does for me. Naim matches my perception of what music sounds like far better than any other brand. I simply don't get on with the likes of Marantz, Musical Fidelity and McIntosh. I respect what they do well but don't enjoy their sound.

I'm also a fan of Rega and the Brio-R has entered the realm of potential audio legend, just love that little amp.

Keep in mind, being a fan does not mean I'm just a blind fanboy and anyone who has been here long enough knows that about me. If a product comes up short to my ears or relative to quality I say so. I don't play favorites in that way.

Unlike what another poster here said, I think that the Nait 3 was the last of their great budget Nait's. The 5, 5i and 5i-2, though good, really aren't Naim to the core. You get much closer with the XS.

And yeah, the digital players are to die for.

All opinions above are mine and only mine...just sayin'!

 

[grundigger]

I think it's funny that many of the folks on theartofsound.net forum used to be big Naim fans, but many have since migrated to other gear. Croft tube amps seem to be preferred by many of the defectors.

I think Naim gear sounds more than okay, but it doesn't stir my soul. I've only listened to Naim integrateds and separates via various British speakers at a local audio salon. I haven't heard the earlier amps. The NAIT 2 is revered by many, and I would love to hear one.

Note that I know nothing about their source gear, and I've read nothing but the highest praise for their CD players.

 

[Art K.]

I think it's funny that many of the folks on theartofsound.net forum used to be big Naim fans, but many have since migrated to other gear. Croft tube amps seem to be preferred by many of the defectors.

I think Naim gear sounds more than okay, but it doesn't stir my soul. I've only listened to Naim integrateds and separates via various British speakers at a local audio salon. I haven't heard the earlier amps. The NAIT 2 is revered by many, and I would love to hear one.

Different strokes. Many folks have moved from other gear to Naim. The first time I heard a Naim amp I knew I loved it and I haven't been dissuaded by experience since. Many of us value different things in a music system and it's OK to differ. I've been down the road with tubes, I very much enjoy Class A amps but for my ears Naim sounds the most like live music to me. I get a kick out of that sound and I'm careful to not say that it's more accurate because who knows what's more accurate. It's simply my preference for that part of the live experience that moves me and that Naim does the best to my ears.

 

[estreeter]

I know this is a Naim thread, and I apologise, but the earlier comments re Linn from stereocuuple caught my attention, especially this:

the digital players are among the finest in the world though and will smoke almost any player out there.

That lines up with the reviews I have read, from the Majik up, but when professional reviewers with Linn tech staff on the other end of the line take days to get a streamer up and running, I just dont want any part of that. I'm no Luddite - I have an undergrad degree in I.T. - but some of those reviews point to really buggy firmware and software *supplied by Linn themselves*. I have no idea if these were simply early teething problems, but compare that the ease with which 'Joe Average' is able to integrate one of the Naim network players into a home network and play music using an iDevice or whatever as the remote. I shouldnt need the guy who wrote the software on the other end of the phone just to get music off a hard drive or streaming from internet radio : that level of hand-holding inevitably finds its way back into the sticker price.

Happy to hear from someone with more recent experience - perhaps the reviewers in question were simply too thick to work things out for themselves